New models include limited editions commemorating the 110th anniversary of Japan’s first wristwatch
By Sony Thomas
Seiko is a brand that has been synonymous with quality watchmaking for over a century. In fact, this year the Japanese brand is celebrating the 110th anniversary of its first wristwatch, the Laurel, which was incidentally Japan’s first watch too. To mark the occasion, Seiko has announced the introduction of four new models to its Presage Craftsmanship Series. The four watches, all in limited editions, each showcase a different aspect of Japanese craftsmanship.
The first model, SPB393, features a white enamel dial created by master craftsman Mitsuru Yokosawa and his team featuring a red roman numeral at 12 o’clock, evoking the original Laurel wristwatch of 1913. The second model, SPB395, features a dial made from Urushi lacquer, a Japanese technique used to create a rich, glossy finish. The third model, SPB397, has a dial made of Arita porcelain, a traditional Japanese material known for its delicate beauty and durability. The fourth model, SPB399, features a dial made from Shippo enamel, a traditional enamelware technique that produces a beautiful, deep colour.
While the white enamel and the Urushi lacquer models are powered by the 6R24 movement, the other two feature the 6R27 under their dials. The SPB393, the SPB395, and the SPB397 are limited to 1,500 pieces, while the SPB399 is limited to just 800 pieces worldwide. All four watches will be available by June-July 2023.
Along with these commemorative limited editions, Seiko also announced another limited edition, the Prospex 1970 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation Naomi Uemura Limited Edition. A tribute to Naomi Uemura, a legendary Japanese adventurer and explorer who was the first person to reach the North Pole solo in 1978, the watch dial depicts the silhouette and contours of the Mont Blanc over a patterned backdrop that mimics the mountain’s rocky and snowy surface. The craftsmen have added depth to the depiction of the peak, shown from the same angle from which Uemura began his ascent, using pressing and etching techniques. Powered by the Caliber 8L35 movement, the watch is presented in a special box featuring a saying of Naomi Uemura: “When one dream is realized, other dreams will follow.” Only 500 of these watches will be made.
Apart from these limited editions, the Japanese watchmaker also revealed three Prospex 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation watches in GMT versions: the SPB381, SPB383, and the Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean Limited Edition – SPB385.
All three watches are based on the design of the original 1968 Seiko dive watch. These new models feature a number of upgrades, however, including an updated automatic movement, a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and a uni-directional bezel with a ceramic insert. One of the most notable features of the new models is the addition of a GMT hand, which allows the wearer to track a second time zone. This is a particularly useful feature for travellers or anyone who needs to keep track of time in multiple locations. The GMT hand is set independently of the main hour hand, and can be adjusted using the crown at the 4 o’clock position. The SPB381 features a green dial and bezel with silver accents, while the SPB383 has a black dial and bezel with silver accents. The GMT hand on both these watches is in a golden hue. The Limited Edition SPB385, meanwhile, gets a textured ice-blue dial, reminiscent of the polar glaciers that shape the landscapes and seascapes of the Arctic and Antarctic. Part of Seiko’s “Save the Ocean” collection, which is focused on raising awareness of the impact of plastic pollution on the world’s oceans, the SPB385 comes with an additional strap made entirely of recycled plastic bottles. It was created using a traditional Japanese braiding technique called Seichu. All three models come standard with a stainless steel case and bracelet with super-hard coating.